Epidemiological study (observational study)

Acute childhood leukemias and exposure to magnetic fields generated by high voltage overhead power lines - a risk factor in Iran epidem.

By: Feizi AA, Arabi MA

Published in: Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2007; 8 (1): 69-72

Aim of study (acc. to author)

The association between acute childhood leukemia and exposure to magnetic fields generated by high voltage overhead power lines was investigated in a case-control study in Iran.

Endpoint/type of risk estimation

childhood leukemia: acute leukemia

Type of risk estimation:

incidence

(odds ratio (OR))

Exposure

Assessment

calculation: magnetic fields based on distance from residence to power lines, voltage, average load of electrical current, phase

Exposure groups

Group	Description
Reference group 1	distance from residence to high voltage power line: ≥ 500 m
Group 2	distance from residence to high voltage power line: < 500 m
Reference group 3	mean magnetic fields: ≤ 0.45 µT
Group 4	mean magnetic fields: > 0.45 µT

Population

Group:
- children
Age: 0–14 years
Observation period: 1998 - 2004
Study location: Iran, Tabriz

Case group

Characteristics: acute leukemia
Data source: Children's Hospital of Tabriz Medical Sciences University, Tabriz, Iran
Exclusion criteria: incomplete medical record, non precise address

Control group

non-malignant hematological or surgical patients
Selection:
- hospital-based
Matching:
- sex
- age
- area
- ethnicity
- socioeconomic status

Study size

	Cases	Controls
Eligible	71	75
Participants	60	59
Participation rate	84 %	79 %

Results (acc. to author)

14 cases (23.5 %) and 2 controls (3.3 %) were living 500 m or less to a high voltage power line. 15 cases (25 %) and 5 controls (8.5 %) were exposed to magnetic fields above 0.45 µT. A statistically significant increased risk for acute leukemia were found for children living 500 m or less to a high voltage power line and for children with an exposure to magnetic fields above 0.45 µT.

Study funded by

not stated/no funding

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